Global Data Synchronization as Easy as 1-2-3
Over the last decade, Global Data Synchronization (GDS) has been evolving as a standard practice for businesses to share product data. This practice is greatly improving the accuracy of product data, increasing the speed to market for new products and reducing the costs in the supply chain. Within the last year, we've seen Global Data Synchronization move into new phases:
- The early adopters have integrated GS1 Item Alignment into their everyday business processes.
- More industry verticals are selecting GS1 Item Alignment as their standard method for exchanging product data.
- An expansion to new regions and product synchronization across regions is becoming more common.
As testimony to the widespread adoption, the use of GTINs (Global Trade Item Number) continues to expand and the Global Registry has now reached 7 million strong. In the Consumer Product Goods space, GS1 Item alignment is mature and this is influencing the later adopters. A lot of lessons have been learned and the keys to success center around GS1 Item alignment integrated into core business practices.
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The State of Global Data Synchronization
My introduction into Global Data Synchronization started in 2002 as an IT manager for an early adopter of Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) standards in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. At the time, CPG companies were the only sector actively synchronizing item data in the United States. Since then, GDSN adoption has expanded to many other sectors with the latest entrants being Food Service and Healthcare. (If you are new to GDSN, check out our Jargon Buster page.)
LANSA folks at U Connect 2010
I’ve just returned from a very busy, well attended U Connect 2010 conference held in San Antonio where this increased activity was evident.
As GS1 US celebrated their 10th year for the conference, it was obvious that there were a lot of new companies in attendance. It was exciting to see how the momentum has picked-up for the GDSN initiative and how the standards are being adopted by more and more companies as a better way of doing business. There are now more than 5 million GTINs (unique trade items) in the GDSN network, exchanged between 92 countries! (Find the latest stats by opening this PDF version of the GS1 Global Registry Statistics report.)
The LANSA team met throughout the week with companies at all stages of adopting Data Synchronization methods and tools. We have many customers that have been using the standards for a number of years that are looking to expand the use of attributes, increase the use of integration with their ERP and/or PIM (Product Information Management) systems and increase the number of trading partners they exchange item data with. For the newer entrants, they are learning from the companies that have come before and are looking for integrated, smart solutions right out of the gate so they get the most value for their investments.
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